The south coast outfit may look to bring someone in on a short-term basis until the end of the season as they look to secure their top flight status in the final eight matches of the campaign, with Stoke City’s 2-0 defeat against Manchester City on Monday night meaning they stayed one point above the relegation zone.

Ancelotti has been out of work since he was sacked by Bayern Munich in September, while he has managed the likes of Real Madrid, Chelsea, Juventus and AC Milan previously, but that hasn’t stopped the St Mary’s faithful hoping that their club can offer him a lucrative short-term deal to try and keep them up.

Southampton supporters have been discussing the 58-year-old via social media, and while one said “Les, go and get CARLO ANCELOTTI”, another said ‘Ancelotti please and offer him a massive bonus if he keeps us up’.

@wave105radio@AdamBlackmore please say that we don't go for Harry Rednap! He relegated us before so what says he won't do it again. Ancelotti is also a candidate and he is available if #saintsfc can afford his wages.